CEC pledges successful rollout of postal voting for overseas Bangladeshis
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has affirmed the Election Commission’s commitment to successfully implementing postal voting, despite the challenges involved. Speaking on Tuesday at a briefing for political parties at the EC auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka, the CEC said: “When we undertook the initiative of postal voting, we were aware of the numerous challenges and complexities. We were entering uncharted territory, yet it was our solemn pledge to see this through.”He added that allowing overseas Bangladeshis in 122 countries to vote via postal ballots, if successful, would bring global recognition to Bangladesh. “No other country has attempted such a bold domestic measure, and even many developed nations have not been able to implement it. For the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum, overseas voters, as well as election officials, employees, and legally protected persons, will be able to vote via postal ballots starting January 21.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 20, 2026 15:24 UTC
Commerce adviser blames Padma Bridge costs for rice price surge
Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has attributed the recent rise in rice prices to what he described as excessive public spending on large infrastructure projects, particularly the Padma Bridge, arguing that the allocation of resources away from agriculture and irrigation has contributed to higher food costs. “Instead of reducing prices, we are now seeing rice prices increase by Tk20 while the country is paying the debt burden of the Padma Bridge,” he said. Sheikh Bashir Uddin further warned that unchecked public expenditure without corresponding income growth could create long-term fiscal risks. “Otherwise, people will ultimately be deceived.”The commerce adviser criticized the previous Sheikh Hasina-led government for undertaking what he termed “unnecessary mega projects,” alleging that several land ports built at significant cost remain largely non-functional. According to Sheikh Bashir Uddin, the previous government prioritized expanding expenditure through large projects without adequate planning to generate corresponding economic returns.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 20, 2026 15:16 UTC
Referendum essential for a better future: Religious Adviser
Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain today spoke at the premises of the Sunamganj Heritage Museum. Photo: BSSSUNAMGANJ, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM KhalidHossain today said a referendum is essential for ensuring a better future, asrestoring a democratic system, free and fair elections and democraticpractices requires voting "Yes" in the upcoming referendum. Highlighting the significance of the referendum, Dr Khalid said it is ahistoric and important event in Bangladesh's political journey, as allpolitical parties have signed the July Charter, making the referendum aproduct of national consensus. The Religious Adviser also assured that the administration and lawenforcement agencies would perform their duties with complete neutralityduring the election. Earlier, speech of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and awareness videos onthe referendum were screened through a campaign vehicle named "SuperCaravan."
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 20, 2026 15:14 UTC
North Korea's Kim sacks vice premier, rails against 'incompetence'
Vice Premier Yang Sung Ho was sacked "on the spot", the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said, in a speech in which Kim attacked "irresponsible, rude and incompetent leading officials". "Please, Comrade Vice Premier, resign by yourself when you can do it on your own before it is too late," Kim reportedly said. "Put simply, it was like hitching a cart to a goat -- an accidental mistake in our cadre appointment process," the North Korean leader explained. - Lazy officials -The impoverished North has long prioritised its military and banned nuclear weapons programmes over providing for its people. The North Korean leader is "using public accountability as a shock tactic to warn party officials", he told AFP.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 20, 2026 15:13 UTC
Sharmeen for raising awareness among voters about referendum
Sharmeen for raising awareness among voters about referendumAdviser Sharmeen S. Murshid spoke as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting titled "Referendum Campaign and Voter Motivation" held at the DC office in Chuadanga. Photo: BSSCHUADANGA, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - Social Welfare and Women and Children AffairsAdviser Sharmeen S. Murshid today underscored the need for working togetherto raise awareness among voters and deliver accurate information to them toensure a participatory referendum. "Referendum is an important democratic process which cannot be successfullycarried out without the active participation of the people," she said. Sharmeen was speaking as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting titled"Referendum Campaign and Voter Motivation" held at the conference room of theDeputy Commissioner's office, aimed at raising awareness and motivatingvoters ahead of the upcoming referendum. The speakers emphasized strengthening grassroots-level campaign activities toincrease voter turnout.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 20, 2026 15:12 UTC
Four illegal brick kilns fined Tk 9 lakh in Sherpur
SHERPUR, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - The district administration has taken action against four illegal brick kilns in Sherpur, imposing fines totaling Taka 9 lakh and ordering the kilns to cease operations. In addition, the raw bricks from these kilns were destroyed, and their electricity connections were disconnected. The day-long drive in Sadar upazila was conducted today by Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Nilufa Yasmin Mitu. Members of the army, police, fire service, and representatives of the Power Development Board were present during the operation. This latest action brings the total number of illegal brick kilns fined in Sherpur to 22, with cumulative fines reaching Taka 91 lakh.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 20, 2026 15:10 UTC
Operators assure adviser to solve LPG crisis
Photo: BSSDHAKA, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) – LPG operators today assured the government that the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) crisis would be resolved before the upcoming Ramadan. While holding a meeting with the Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, the operators informed the adviser that the crisis ensued as LPG import was hampered due to various adverse international situations. The adviser directed all concerned to make every effort to ensure smooth supply of LPG before the national elections and during the month of Ramadan. The LPG operators informed the adviser that the crisis can be solved if import of 167,600 metric tons of LPG is allowed in January 2026. The participants discussed with operators about how to balance the demand and supply of LPG gas during the Ramadan.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 20, 2026 15:10 UTC
CA visits July Uprising Memorial Museum
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today inspected the progress of the final phase work of the July Uprising Memorial Museum at the Ganabhaban. Photo: CA's Press WingDHAKA, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today inspected the progress of the final phase work of the July Uprising Memorial Museum at the Ganabhaban here, residence of the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The Chief Adviser arrived at the museum around 3pm and went around the museum that projects the reasons behind the mass uprising and the history of Awami League's 16-years' misrule under the dictatorship of Sheikh Hasina. Led by Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, museum curators Tanjim Wahab and Marina Tabassum Khan, researchers at the museum, and other officials guided the visitors to tour the entire museum. The July Uprising Memorial Museum preserves various materials including photographs of the uprising, various memorabilia, martyrs' clothes, letters, important documents, newspaper cutting of that time, and audios and videos.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 20, 2026 15:04 UTC
Chattogram needs 134 to seal BPL final
The team suffering defeat will get a second chance to reach the final whenthey take on Sylhet Titans in Qualifier-2 tomorrow (Wednesday). Captain Mahedi Hasan led the charge after opting to bowl first, returningimpressive figures of 2-20 from his four overs. Pakistan recruit Aamer Jamalalso picked up two wickets, while the rest of the bowling unit chipped inwith tight and economical spells. Despite Tanzid's resistance at the top, where he top-scored with a 37-ball41, Rajshahi slumped to 98-7. Abdul Gaffar Saqlain offered some late resistance with a fighting 15-ball 32,including two fours and three sixes to push the total to a modest 133.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 20, 2026 14:49 UTC
Akhtar Hossain: Electioneering to kick off after symbol allocation
Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhtar Hossain on Tuesday indicated that candidates would be able to launch their election campaigns immediately after the allocation of electoral symbols on Wednesday. You have given both the question and the answer… What else can I answer? Campaigning can begin after the allocation of symbols,” he said, replying to a question from reporters if the campaign can be conducted right after the symbol allocation on Wednesday. Akhtar Ahmed the Swedish envoy assured that if EC needs any assistance, EC can inform them and they will try their best to provide support. Besides, they were briefed on the technical aspects of the postal ballot system, said the EC secretary.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 20, 2026 14:46 UTC
BB wins ISAR honours-2025 in national category
Photo : CollectedDHAKA, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Bank (BB) has been awarded the International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR) Honours-2025 in the National Category, in recognition of its outstanding achievement in formulating and effectively implementing the Guideline on Sustainability and Climate-related Financial Disclosure for Banks and Finance Companies. The ISAR Honours, conferred by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), acknowledge exemplary policy, institutional and capacity-building initiatives that encourage enterprises to disclose sustainability-related information aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into corporate reporting frameworks, said a press release. The award was formally received on behalf of Bangladesh Bank by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh in Geneva, Switzerland from UNCTAD. To celebrate this significant international recognition, Bangladesh Bank organized the ISAR Honours-2025 Award-Winning Ceremony today. On this occasion, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, formally handed over the ISAR Honours-2025 award to Ahsan H. Mansur, Governor, Bangladesh Bank.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 20, 2026 14:43 UTC
‘I’m your son; want to work staying by your side’: Tarique Rahman
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman spoke at a prayer meeting this afternoon in the Korail area of the city to seek forgiveness for the soul of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. For this, everyone’s cooperation is necessary,” BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman told the residents of city’s Korail area. Earlier, at 4pm, Tarique Rahman arrived on the stage of the prayer meeting and greeted everyone present there by raising both hands. Alongside schools, we want to ensure they have an environment for sports, that there are playgrounds for sports; by the will of Allah, we want to arrange that here too,” added Tarique Rahman. For those who could not attend today's programme, I request you to convey my message to mothers, sisters, brothers-to everyone who could not come.”Emphasizing the importance of staying united, Tarique Rahman said unity makes it possible to tackle all crises.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 20, 2026 14:33 UTC
ISPR: BAF prepares BANATU-15 contingent for DR Congo UN mission
The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) is set to replace its BANATU-14 contingent in MONUSCO, Democratic Republic of Congo. The air chief also participated in a special munajat arranged for the contingent’s success. Principal staff officers, the air officer Commanding of the Dhaka area, and senior BAF officers from Air Headquarters and bases attended the event. For the mission, BAF has deployed one C-130B aircraft along with necessary ground support equipment. The BANATU-15 contingent, led by Group Captain Mohammad Salim Javed, will see 35 members depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, to the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, with the remaining 27 members scheduled to depart on February 2, 2026.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 20, 2026 14:28 UTC
Robi withdraws from 700MHz spectrum auction, Grameenphone now sole bidder
Bangladesh’s 700MHz spectrum auction has taken a surprising turn as Robi Axiata withdrew, leaving Grameenphone the sole participant in the auction scheduled for Wednesday. Robi cites strategic, technical teasonsRobi’s Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer Shahed Alam said the company opted out after a strategic and technical review. Legal and market challengesAround 20MHz of the 700MHz band remains tied up in a long-running legal dispute stemming from a 2007 allocation, limiting full utilization. Implications for 5GThe 700MHz band is critical for 5G rollout and high-speed internet coverage, especially in rural areas and indoor environments. With Grameenphone now the sole bidder, the auction’s outcome could accelerate the company’s network expansion—but may also raise concerns over competition and market balance.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 20, 2026 14:26 UTC
Last-ball nightmare: Liton recalls Nidahas Trophy heartbreak
DHAKA, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - Rangpur Riders' dramatic defeat to Sylhet Titans, sealed by a sensational last-ball six from Chris Woakes, brought back painful memories of Bangladesh's heartbreak in the Nidahas Trophy for Rangpur skipper Liton Das. Bangladesh had suffered a similar fate in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy final in Sri Lanka, failing to defend five runs off the final ball when Dinesh Karthik smashed a six off Soumya Sarkar to snatch four-wicket victory for India. Defending a modest 111- nine, Rangpur put up a spirited fight and left Sylhet needing nine runs from the final over. "I remembered the Nidahas Trophy after seeing the six on the last ball. Reflecting on the disappointment, Liton admitted that paper strength does not always translate into results on the field.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 20, 2026 14:18 UTC